wicoppi:

It seems in fandom the Astral Plane and the Black Lion’s consciousness are treated as synonymous. Which follows logic considering the plane was introduced while Shiro was connecting with the Black Lion and is most notable as being where Shiro resided after Black saved him. 

But what may be more accurate to say is the Astral Plane is a space each paladin can access via their Lion / Voltron given they all have entered as individuals and/or together. 

Additionally, and most interestingly to me, Zarkon referred to the Astral Plane as a “realm” which is a word that’s only been applied to one other place in this universe, Oriande. AKA, Honerva’s Base of Operations in s8. 

I will admit there’s not a ton of ground work laid into prior seasons to support this theory, but it would be very interesting if the paladins were able to access Oriande via Voltron and the Astral Plane in order to reach Honerva. 

What’s more is if the paladins of old are what guides them to it as well. It’s very possible the shots in the trailer of the paladins fighting are with the paladins of old who are seen on the poster. A prove yourselves as the true paladins now as the final test -and perhaps revealing a twist about Voltron itself- and more lore since Alfor was only able to create Voltron due to Oriande so they are spiritually connected. Perhaps even one cannot exist without the other, and we do know the final mecha battle does take place on it (and maybe the final battle between a Queen and princess for the crown) so I do wonder if perhaps that will affect the outcome of voltron itself.